Raised bed on former bonfire site

[kris1960]

Hi all- am putting a raised bed over the site of previous fire and intend to dig soil and use a combination of topsoil and well rotted manure in the bed. Would like some opinions on what things would do best there.

[Bigmallly]

Hi Kris, do you know what was burned on the bonfire? You may have to be careful if any paint, varnish, stains etc were used on the timber. If it was just plain wood I would guess fruit trees/bushes wood benefit from the wood ash.

[kris1960]

Thanks Big- it was 'large house' sized blackberry (sawed up to manageable lengths) over that space, ivy from derelict greenhouse and nettle roots from all over allotment.

I sprinkled some ash on brassicas, put some around raspberries and soft fruit and saved one bag of dry ash.

According to other allotmenteers this area has not been touched or uncovered for at least 20 years! Noone can remember anything but blackberries there.

Hedgerow and ditch to south and east. Old greenhouse to west( will refurb this year), pond and open allotment to north. It is between15 and 20 sq metres.

Have put shade tolerant plants near hedge and ditch and left generous path space by greenhouse for access. Will link a not very good picture.It will give you the idea, I hope. Possible that i have link and the same picture attached!! http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...5-dsc_0952.jpg

8'x4' frame for vegetables fits comfortably in space.

Grateful for any suggestions, it was very difficult to reclaim and I want to do it justice.

[kris1960]

A better picture, I hope! You can just about see the frame for raised bed- it will need levelling I know. Possibly PSB and WSB? It is not in full sun by any stretch of the imagination but is quite sheltered from prevailing wind. Suggestions very welcome. I will dig tomorrow.

View from my potting bench!